Celebrating and Taboo Topics: Rules Review 10/11/25
- Lance Palmer
- Oct 11
- 3 min read
This week's rule review involves two rules, both from the Player Code of Conduct.
Player Code of Conduct, Rule 7b.
Rude, Disrespectful, Harassing, or any other inappropriate actions or comments toward the Dealers, League Members, League Management, or Venue Staff are not acceptable.
This is a very broad rule that includes many different aspects of playing our game. I'd like to address it specifically as it pertains to good sportsmanship.
A while back I posted an article on what it means to be a good sport and knowing the approprieate times and manner inwhich to celebrate. You can check that post out here...
I'd also like to go one step further and make sure that everyone is aware that while we all play this game a little differently, there is an emotional and empathetic component that we must take into consideration when we celebrate our wins. Afterall, our wins are someone else's losses. It may seem silly or trivial that you sucked out and rivered your opponent, but just remember that simply means you got lucky. Sometimes, MOST times, your opponent doesn't want to hear about how lucky you just got, they were there, they already know.
Win with grace, lose with grace.
Sometimes winning with grace involves your silence. Better to be thought a fool than open your mouth, and remove all doubt. Just a thought. ~
Secondly, it's been brought to my attention that alcohol consumption has lead to some challenges at the poker table during our games. This is Rule 11.
Player Code of Conduct, Rule 11:
Enjoy yourself responsibly; you will be held accountable for your behavior regardless of your level of alcohol consumption.
a) If a player is deemed by a Dealer, Tournament Host, or League Management to be too impaired to properly play the game (Rule 9 of the MPL Player Code of Conduct), that player will be removed and disqualified from the game. No prizes or points will be awarded to that player once they have been disqualified.
For clarification, the phrase, "too impaired to properly play the game" means a couple things.
1. The player must be able to properly stack and count their own chips, place their own bets, and know their betting amounts.
2. Properly sit upright in their chair without assistance, without falling asleep, or losing focus on the game.
3. Loud, vulgar, or overtly boisterous language and/or actions will not be tolerated per Rule 7b of the Player Code of Conduct.
4. While this fourth item falls under the "impaired" clause, it is also a general rule that involves inappropriate comments at the poker table. There are some things that should not be discussed in a public setting, even if it is a "social bar setting". Be respectful of everyone at the table. Not everyone has your sense of humor or openness when it comes to certain topics (The Big 3 come to mind here: Sex, Politics, and Religion.) Remember you are in a public setting, and at the poker table, your conversations are not as "private" as you think they are. Please be mindful of that and others at the table.
Hope this provides some clarification and guidance for your next game.
Thank you to everyone for doing your part and making this league enjoyable for everyone.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to email me at lance@misfitspoker.com, my door is always open. Also feel free to view or download the Misfits Poker League and TDA Rules at the links below.
The Tournament Dealer Association (TDA) rules will apply in most cases. Please keep in mind TDA is a guideline for poker rooms to use and always respect rule #1 which states the following: “The best interest of the game and fairness are top priorities in decision-making. Unusual circumstances occasionally dictate that common sense decisions in the interest of fairness take priority over technical rules. Floor decisions are final.” To further familiarize yourself with the TDA Rules please visit: https://www.pokertda.com/poker-tda-rules/
